Cliff Avril has no regrets about turning down a long-term deal

Lions defensive end Cliff Avril says that he has no regrets about turning down any long-term deals offered by the team before he signed his franchise tag tender to play this season for $10.6 million.

Avril wanted more than the Lions were offering and gambled that he’d play well enough to score a deal to his liking after this year. He’s put up 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, both of which are slightly down from last year’s output so it remains to be seen if his risk will wind up paying off when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

“Once again, it comes with the business. You got to take the good with the bad. There was a drought where I wasn’t getting any sacks (earlier this season), and guys were like, ‘Uh-oh, you’re in trouble. You should have took the deal.’ Just all kinds of different things. It is what it is. I don’t trip. It comes with the business,” Avril said, via Anwar Richardson of MLive.com. “Honestly, I look at it like I’m truly blessed to play in the NFL. Point, blank, period. I’m truly blessed to play in the NFL. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have a team that wanted me last year. Just let it be what it is after that.”

Avril said he’d like to remain with the Lions beyond this season. Detroit could franchise him again to keep him from hitting the open market, although there hasn’t been much indication about that being in the cards again this offseason.

Even if he ends up signing for just below what he was offered last year it’s a huge win.

He made 10+ this year, delayed the contract one year free of injury and can now go where he wants.

elliottcovert says:Dec 28, 2012 10:41 AM

I have a bad feeling that Cliff Avril will end up being this year’s Ray Edwards — a DE who puts up good numbers largely because he plays on a dominant d-line and gets plenty of one-on-one matchups and then slumps when he gets put into a more difficult situation. And let’s keep in mind that four of his games each season are against the Packers and Bears, both teams which lack decent left tackles. Buyer beware.

That is the wrong headline. It should read, “Cliff Avril celebrting because he didn’t sign a long term deal.”

It’s the Lions, people.

jumpball81td says:Dec 28, 2012 11:09 AM

He won’t be back in Detroit. The Lions will use the franchise tag on someone they can resign for less than $10M. With cap restrictions the Lions won’t be able pay Avril 10+ and he’ll be a free agent.

Avril’s a scrappy hardworking player that will probably find another team that will give him the money he is looking for this offseason.

primetime0552 says:Dec 28, 2012 11:11 AM

elliottcovert says:Dec 28, 2012 10:41 AM

I have a bad feeling that Cliff Avril will end up being this year’s Ray Edwards — a DE who puts up good numbers largely because he plays on a dominant d-line and gets plenty of one-on-one matchups and then slumps when he gets put into a more difficult situation. And let’s keep in mind that four of his games each season are against the Packers and Bears, both teams which lack decent left tackles. Buyer beware.

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You realize that Avril plays left defenive end right? Which means he is actually playing against the right tackle not the left.

Also find it funny that you call the Lions Dline dominant. Have you ever watched a Lions game? I’ve been a Lions fan since I can remember, and the Lions Dline is far from dominant. They get a lot of hype from the media, but have never really lived up to it. Suh is a stud and Fairley looks like he is going to be just as good, but they aren’t dominant yet. Avril is horrible against the run Vanden Bosh is basically a non factor and needs to retire. I would like Avril to remain a Lion because he is a great pass rusher(his numbers have improved every year he has been in the NFL), but if he leaves I wouldn’t be too disappointed.

jtmartinez34 says:Dec 28, 2012 11:12 AM

Wide 9, one trick pony. He could not anchor a defense, is not the focal point of any opposition game plan, and can only speed rush. Franchise player…no way. He hit the jackpot with the tag. If he leaves Detroit and goes to a team without a dominate middle, he will be 5.5 sack guy.